The Babylon Fire has become the largest active wildfire in the United States, consuming 96,594 acres and prompting officials to place six evacuation zones near Monticello on 'SET' status. The blaze, discovered June 26 following a lightning storm, continues to exhibit extreme behavior as it burns through the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
Evacuation Warnings Issued
As of July 6, 2026, the fire has achieved 0% containment. The blaze is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Monticello in San Juan County and is burning near the Bears Ears National Monument. Fire behavior remains extreme, driven by steep canyons, dry fuels, and unstable atmospheric conditions.
Threat to Structures and Infrastructure
While no mandatory 'GO' evacuation orders are currently in place, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office has placed six zones north and west of Monticello into 'SET' status. This designation means residents should prepare for short-notice evacuations if conditions worsen.
The affected areas include zones west of Highway 191 on the north side of Monticello, specifically the Energy, Airport, Peter's Hill West, CY1, and CY2 zones. The city of Monticello itself is currently held at 'READY' status.
Massive Response Efforts Underway
The fire has already destroyed five structures, including one privately owned structure belonging to The Nature Conservancy. Three historic U.S. Forest Service sites—the Scorup Cabin, Poso Cabin, and King Edward's Mine Cabin—have also been lost to the flames.
Firefighters are currently working to protect nearby ranches, historical sites, and the Gooseberry area. Heavy equipment and ground crews are focused on strengthening containment features along Blue Mountain Road, Harts Draw Road, and Highway 211.
Widespread Land Closures
The Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 2 is overseeing a massive response involving 1,142 personnel. The deployment includes 29 crews, 56 engines, 11 helicopters, 4 dozers, and 15 water tenders.
Crews are utilizing drones equipped with infrared cameras to locate hidden heat sources along the northern flank of the fire. According to WildFire Explorer, the cause of the June 26 lightning-sparked fire remains undetermined by the National Interagency Fire Center.
Environmental Conditions
The fire has forced significant closures across public lands. The entire Monticello Ranger District within the Manti-La Sal National Forest is closed to public entry, and the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park has been temporarily closed due to fire proximity.
Additionally, all Bureau of Land Management lands west of Harts Draw Road are under emergency closure, spanning from the Indian Creek Corridor north through Shay Mesa, Beef Basin, Dark Canyon, and the Sweet Alice Wilderness Study Area.
Air Quality and Safety
Heavy smoke from the blaze is pushing east and northeast, impacting air quality across the region. Officials noted an increased risk of large pyrocumulus clouds, which can generate their own strong winds and lightning.
The U.S. Forest Service-Manti-La Sal National Forest has scheduled a community meeting regarding the Babylon Fire, according to a social media post from the agency on July 6.
